What Is the Rule of 3 Flooring? Design & Material Guide for Your Home
If you’ve ever heard about a “rule of 3” when it comes to flooring — or wondered about the 60/30/10 rule in design — you’re not alone. These guidelines help create balance in a home’s flow, colour, and materials. In this post, we unpack what professionals mean by the “rule of 3” in flooring, how much extra flooring you should buy, and how many types of flooring make sense for a cohesive renovation.
What Is the 60/30/10 Rule for Flooring & Colour
The 60/30/10 rule is a widely used design guideline to balance a room’s colour palette:
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60% is your dominant colour (walls, large furniture, or flooring)
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30% is a secondary or complementary colour
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10% is an accent
Sources:
This ratio is often applied to flooring, wall colour, and textiles to create a unified, harmonious space.
What Is the “Rule of 3” in Flooring Materials?
In flooring design, the “rule of 3” refers to using no more than three types of flooring throughout a home. Too many different surfaces can look disjointed and reduce a home’s visual flow.
Source: https://www.housedigest.com/1527333/what-is-flooring-rule-of-3-types-floor-home/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Designers recommend keeping things simple — for example:
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One material for living spaces
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One for wet areas
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One for bedrooms
How Much Extra Flooring Should You Buy?
It’s standard to buy 5–15% extra flooring to account for cutting waste, layout, and future repairs.
Guidelines:
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Vinyl or laminate: 5–10%
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Hardwood: 10–15%
Additional reference:
Buying extra prevents shortages mid-installation and ensures matching boards are available for repairs later.
How Many Types of Flooring Should Be in a House?
Many designers suggest sticking to three or fewer types of flooring in a home.
Source: https://www.housedigest.com/1527333/what-is-flooring-rule-of-3-types-floor-home/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Why:
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Better visual flow
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Cleaner transitions
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Stronger resale value
When to Use or Break These Rules
The 60/30/10 colour rule is flexible — it’s meant to guide, not restrict.
Source: https://www.womanandhome.com/homes/the-60-30-10-rule-interior-design/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
For flooring, some designers recommend only one or two types in open-concept homes to maximize cohesion.
Source: https://www.housedigest.com/1527333/what-is-flooring-rule-of-3-types-floor-home/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Expert Tips for Home Renovators
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Plan your colour scheme and flooring together using 60/30/10 as a visual guide.
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Buy enough extra flooring — multiply your total sq. ft. by 1.05–1.15 depending on the material.
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Keep flooring styles consistent, ideally using no more than three.
If You’re in Mississauga or the GTA…
At First Pro Home Reno Supplies, we offer high-quality vinyl, laminate, and tile at competitive prices. Our team can help you choose flooring that works with modern design rules — without overspending. Visit us in Mississauga to compare colours, textures, and installation options.